Architectural Designs

Can I fit a functional home office into a two-wall 7' x 5' "nook"?

We are remodeling our kitchen. One of the things I really need is a great, functional home office (I work from home in freelance writing and graphic design). The home office will need to fit a decent sized desk (I have a big Dell XPS computer), a full-sized filing cabinet, storage for work and home paperwork, owner's manuals, software and music discs, a mail filing system, etc. It would also be nice if I had some wall space to display a bulletin board and white board. The "nook" is 5' deep, 7' wide and I would like the desk to face out if possible (instead of being along the inside wall). I have a 2.5 year old as well as a baby due in two weeks so it would be nice to be able to keep an eye on what they're up to while I get some work done. Is that enough information for advice on how to design my space?

Public Comments

1. Your nook is about the same size as a closet and yes, you can do something great for a home office in that size. Consider these ideas for some inspiration: http://keloconnell.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/closet-home-office.jpg http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://images.containerstore.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/96016/PlatDriftElfaOfficeCloset_l.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml%3FCATID%3D77640%26PRODID%3D10020052&usg=__Tk-IpV8OYBiVVYDhHBp0IhNyy2M=&h=260&w=260&sz=15&hl=fr&start=2&tbnid=ZwnM-NOgzVy0DM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=112&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doffice%2Bin%2Bcloset%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Dfr http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hamersleyfamily.com/studio/uploaded_images/elfaCraftCloset_xl-789491.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hamersleyfamily.com/studio/2006_05_01_archive.html&usg=__eDxCCsy5W8hz9ySRBDob85zTN3k=&h=400&w=400&sz=35&hl=fr&start=7&tbnid=UFn48I9SPvYYDM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doffice%2Bin%2Bcloset%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Dfr Scroll down on this one: http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://chicago.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/11-28-07lackshelf9.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/shelving-storage/12-uses-for-ikeas-lack-shelves-037156&usg=__tUaLstJAAkJWPDAAWIwf6I5mm5Q=&h=403&w=300&sz=18&hl=fr&start=10&tbnid=f6MRGTnIM1llKM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=92&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doffice%2Bin%2Bcloset%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Dfr This one being my favorite: http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/uploads/office_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/2008/11/decor_on_a_dime_home_office_1.html&usg=__sPwNcS5JpaDQZe_zl1OkXAl-xGw=&h=500&w=375&sz=67&hl=fr&start=20&tbnid=P7_1s8LRUs1bEM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=98&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doffice%2Bin%2Bcloset%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Dfr%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18 And how great can it get? With a 2.5 yr old around, you'll be glad you have some doors on that home office :) Enjoy your new space! And remember, the success will be equal to how well you measure your space!
2. http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/la/040209_denimoffice.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-reupholstering-with-denim-080834&usg=__zfII6lIgyHPBtltBcKDTdvzAdhc=&h=535&w=540&sz=54&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=YAYKJbJWQTSYQM:&tbnh=131&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doffice%2Bnooks%26hl%3Den I suggest something like this...you can face the desk on one side and you will be able to keep an eye on the little one. Check out Ikea for storage...you cannot beat them or their prices..a long desk like this one can be purchased there with your choice of legs...or you can use filing cabinets for the legs freeing up more storage along the other wall.